Jesus is Looking for You | SeekGrowLove.com

OPENING SENTENCE OF SCRIPTURE
Great is the glory of the Lord.

HYMN

GREETING

Grace and peace to you from God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

COLLECT FOR PURITY

Almighty God,

to whom all hearts are open,

all desires known,

and from whom no secrets are hidden:

cleanse the thoughts of our hearts

by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,

that we may perfectly love you,

and worthily magnify your holy name;

through Christ our Lord. Amen.

SUMMARY OF THE LAW

Our Lord Jesus Christ said: The first commandment is this:

Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is the only Lord. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.”

The second is this: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these. Amen. Lord, have mercy.

Description: Description: Description: Confession under section 67 NDPS Act to be admitted or not, yet to ...

CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

God is love and we are God’s children. There is no room for fear in love. We love because God loved us first.

Let us confess our sins in penitence and faith.

SILENCE

God our Father,

we confess to you

and to our fellow members in the Body of Christ

that we have sinned in thought, word and deed,

and in what we have failed to do.

We are truly sorry.

Forgive us our sins,

and deliver us from the power of evil,

for the sake of your Son who died for us, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

ABSOLUTION

God, who is both power and love,

forgive you and free you from your sins,

heal and strengthen you by the Holy Spirit,

and raise you to new life in Christ our Lord. Amen.

GLORIA
sung by Billy Dewar Riddick

COLLECT

O Lord,

watch over your household with constant love:

that, supported, by you alone,

we may always stand firm in your protection;

through Jesus Christ, our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, world without end. Amen

PROCLAIMING & RECEIVING GOD’S WORD

FIRST READING:
Isaiah 6:1-13 read by Peter Boreham

A Vision of God in the Temple

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory.”

The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”

Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: “Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.” Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I; send me!” And he said, “Go and say to this people:

Isaiah 6:1-3 #1162

‘Keep listening, but do not comprehend;
keep looking, but do not understand.’
Make the mind of this people dull,
and stop their ears,
and shut their eyes,
so that they may not look with their eyes,
and listen with their ears,
and comprehend with their minds,
and turn and be healed.”
Then I said, “How long, O Lord?” And he said:
“Until cities lie waste
without inhabitant,
and houses without people,
and the land is utterly desolate;
until the Lord sends everyone far away,
and vast is the emptiness in the midst of the land.
Even if a tenth part remain in it,
it will be burned again,
like a terebinth or an oak
whose stump remains standing
when it is felled.”
The holy seed is its stump.

SILENCE

SECOND READING
1 Corinthians 15:1-11 read by David Kerr

The Resurrection of Christ

Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain.

For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 

I Am what 1 Corinthians 15: ppt download

For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them—though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.

GRADUAL HYMN

GOSPEL READING
Luke 5:1-11 read by Rev James Clark Maxwell

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St Luke chapter 1 beginning at verse 5

Glory to Christ our Saviour

jesus calls his first disciples Archives - Believe Trust

Once while Jesus was standing beside the Lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So, they signalled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

Give thanks to the Lord for his glorious Gospel

Praise to Christ our Lord.

SERMON

Romans 8:28 All Things Work Together for Good - Free Bible Verse Art -  Bible Verses To Go

“God works all things for good for those who love them” is a well quoted scriptural verse. It touches a cord within those who are caught in difficult circumstances, and offers them the hope of transformation and renewal. This verse rings true for all three characters in our readings today- Isaiah, Peter and Paul. Each is up against it for different reasons and God takes their life situations and turns them around for good.

Isaiah has been knocked sideways by the death of King Uzziah. For Isaiah it seems as though the world has stopped with this devastating news and he feels lost and empty. King Uzziah of Judah had a long and distinguished reign. Uzziah began his reign when he was only 16 years old, and he reigned for 52 years, not quite as long as Queen Elizabeth. Overall, he was a good king, and in the book of 2 Kings we are told that Uzziah did what was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done. It is said of Uzziah that He sought God and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper.

That being said, Uzziah’s life ended tragically. You might remember that he transgressed against the LORD by entering the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. In response, God struck Uzziah with leprosy, and he was an isolated leper until his death. It is little wonder that Isaiah was troubled and perplexed by this tragic end to a great king and wondered – “Where was the LORD he knew and loved in all of this?” A question that is often asked when people are suffering or are facing a crisis.

This question may well have drove Isaiah into the temple in search of answers. What happened next was not what Isaiah had expected. He has a vision of God on his throne, a stark reminder that Uzziah was an earthly king, and God is the true King. God is alive and well. So, fear not for the future!

Daily Bible Verse | God | Isaiah 6:1

There is something just amazing about what happens not only in front of Isaiah as he sees the glory of God in the temple, but it is awesome to think about what happens to Isaiah. God’s very presence is so holy different and other than Isaiah that when the angels speak, Isaiah is left almost scared at what he sees. Not scared of God at all, but Isaiah is terrified or awed because he realizes that he is so unworthy, so ill-equipped, and so out of place in this holy and amazing place. It leads to Isaiah’s confession Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts! (Isaiah 6:5)

Caught up and fearful of the moment in which he finds himself, Isaiah dreads what he sees to the extent that he calls himself ‘lost’ in the presence of such holiness. Other translations read ‘undone,’ ‘ruined,’ and the word can also mean ‘destroyed,’ ‘ended,’ ‘silenced,’ or ‘cut down.’ Isaiah’s reaction to what he sees in the temple of the Lord is to say out-loud, ‘I thought I knew, but now I don’t. I am done. I have been dissected and laid bare. I have nothing to say.’ The holiness and glory of God is so overwhelming to Isaiah that he is not only left without words but also exposed for who he really is in all of his fullness. His confession is followed by forgiveness when the burning coal touches his lips.

Isaiah 6:1-8 | Send Me | Matthew Dodd - YouTube

From confession Isaiah hears God’s call to be his servant. I suspect that Isaiah never thought he would be the answer to his own prayer for leadership. He is the one who says here am I to the God’s question whom shall I send? What a turn around. A bad situation is worked out for good. Isaiah moved from confession to hearing a call to serve and then he receives his commission … go and say. From hopelessness and discouragement Isaiah is renewed. He has vision, direction, purpose and an awareness of God’s abiding presence in his new role as prophet. Isaiah’s story here is one of darkness to light.

If You Say So!" — Luke 5:2-7 (What Jesus Did!)

There are many similarities in Peter’s story. He is discouraged and disillusioned with things when our story begins. A whole night fishing with his fishing crew and he catches nothing. It is not some leisure fishing. This is his livelihood for no fish means no food or income for the family. What I admire here about Peter is that he hasn’t totally given up; he is busying cleaning his nets. He is being prepared. Little did he know the meaning of this cleaning for it made possible in some degree the great catch of fish later. However, the key factor in the great catch was Peter willingness to obey Jesus and go out into the deep waters. His expertise said one thing but he was willing to follow Jesus’ wisdom and command and what benefits did he find.

Luke 5:1-11 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the  people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at  the water's edge

When the Lord does something, He doesn’t do it half-way. Peter and the other apostles could experience the joy and astonishment which everyone can have if they are willing to do acts of faith. All expectations had been exceeded. The nets started to break and the boats almost sank under the load. The overflowing net made a deep impression on Peter. “For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken. The Lord makes his divine power clear to Peter in a new and unexpected way. 

The Gospel of the day: 3rd September – Archdiocese of Malta

Now we could have expected that Peter would express with enthusiasm his admiration about the miracle of Jesus, but Peter “fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord‘” Why at this moment a repentant acknowledging of his guilt? Why does Peter reject Jesus with the words, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man.” Why instead of words of thanksgiving, does he have this submissive attitude? At that moment something wonderful happened in Peter’s soul. Because he was obedient in faith, Peter not only received an abundantly filled net, but also a penetrating light which illumined his soul. While he and his companions struggled to pull the overflowing nets on shore, his heart was filled at one and the same time with the greatness of Jesus, his beloved Lord and with a keen knowledge of himself.  Loving obedience is guaranteed to bring a better knowledge of God and at the same time of deeper knowledge of self. Peter came to a greater awareness of his own sinfulness. His kneeling down and his speaking became signs of the subservience of his spirit. He saw that his knowledge and ability were nothing in comparison with the divine power of the Lord. This confession in many ways echoes that of Isaiah.

Peter’s hopeless situation is transformed but so is Peter himself, for Jesus calls him to follow him, to leave his business behind and become a disciple. Peter accepts this call and like Isaiah he is given a commission to catch or rescue the lost. His difficult situation by God’s touch has been turned around from hopelessness to new opportunities and challenges.

Paul is caught in hopelessness as he continues to persecute Christians. He is doubting himself after being present at the stoning of Stephen. Shortly afterwards he is stopped in his tracks by a blinding light and Paul is blinded for a few days. Quite a terrifying experience! This difficult situation is turned around completely by his encounter with Christ. He realises his wrong doing and confesses Christ as Lord. This confession is followed by his call to be Christ’s apostle and to accept God’s commission to reach the Gentiles with the gospel. Paul’s ministry was exceedingly impressive. God took a bad situation and worked it out for good.

Blinded By the Light! – Faith Encouraged

So, what does this say to us. It says that in the difficult situations of life, as we trust God, God is at work in our lives to bring about good. I suppose it is a bit like Kintsugi which is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with lacquer, dusted or mixed with powdered goldsilver, or platinum; the method is similar to the maki-e technique. 

Being Kintsugi | Anglican Church Diocese of Perth

As a philosophy, it treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise. The brokenness of the pottery is painted into something beautiful. This is how God works in our lives. We all, everyone one of us here has brokenness in our lives, and that can be made with God’s touch into something beautiful. So whatever trials, tests or challenges you are facing remember that God is with you, working all things for good for those who love him. God makes something beautiful out of the difficult situations we face. God works all things for good for those who love him.

Ravi Zacharias Quote: “We know that in all things God works for the good of  those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ...”

THE CREED

Christ The Savior Lutheran Church

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God,

God from God,

Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made,

of one substance with the Father.

Through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation

he came down from heaven;

by the power of the Holy Spirit

he became incarnate of the Virgin Mary,

and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;

he ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit,

the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father.

With the Father and the Son,

he is worshipped and glorified.

He has spoken through the Prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

PRAYERS

Prayer Requests – Baildon Methodist Church

Lord of heaven

Let your kingdom grow!

Lord of heaven and earth

we give you thanks

Seed of Faith PH - YouTube

for the seed of faith you sow in us.

Thank- you for the rich faith in Isaiah, Peter and Paul,

and how they embraced your call to serve

as prophet, disciple and apostle.

We praise you for their passion and love

for your name and glory.

Thank you that you call us too

to minister to others as laity or clergy.

Equip us to serve you with courage,

love and wisdom

and may your kingdom grow,

through your Holy Spirit

at work in us and through us.

Lord of heaven

Let your kingdom grow!

Lord of heaven and earth

may your kingdom grow in us,

may your seed of love, faith and compassion

take root in our hearts, as we encounter you the living Lord,

in word and sacrament,

in private and public worship.

Lord of heaven

Let your kingdom grow!

Perfect Harmony (TV series) - Wikipedia

Lord of heaven and earth

may your kingdom grow

in all nations and peoples.

Sow the seeds of harmony and unity,

peace and tranquillity,

in those lands of discord, hostility and war.

We lift particularly to you this morning

the nations of Afghanistan, Iran,

Iraq, Palestine, and Israel

and ask you to mysteriously work your healing and renewal.

Lord of heaven

Let your kingdom grow!

The Seed of Hope - South Flint Tabernacle

Lord of heaven and earth,

may your kingdom grow,

in every place of suffering and anguish.

We remember those whose

lives have been torn apart by abuse,

sow your seed of hope and restoration.

We lift to you those who are unemployed,

who are stressed by financial concerns and burdens,

which in turn is affecting family and social relationships,

sow your seed of hope and of new life.

Lord of heaven

Let your kingdom grow!

At G20, Climate Change and Vaccine Access Confront Leaders - The New York  Times

Lord of heaven and earth

We pray for your world leaders

and all who hold positions of responsibility and authority,

that they may have at the core of their being,

the wider needs of the community local, national and global,

and that they may strive in your strength

and wisdom to bring freedom and justice, equality and respect to all.

Lord of heaven

Let your kingdom grow!

Lord of heaven and earth,

We pray for the starving and malnourished

and for all who are weakened through lack of sufficient food;

for all refugees and asylum seekers,

sow in us all a seed of readiness to support and help

in whatever small ways or steps we can.

Poor Kid Pictures | Download Free Images on Unsplash

Lord of heaven

Let your kingdom grow!

Lord of heaven and earth,

We offer to you in prayer those

whose life are in turmoil

through sickness, bereavement, broken relationships, betrayal

and invite you to bring forth healing and strength, hope and dignity.

In the quiet we lift to you those known to us …

and ask for your healing touch and blessing.

Lord of heaven

Let your kingdom grow!

Archbishop Cranmer

Lord of heaven and earth

In the knowledge that we must all one day

meet you face to face,

we pray for all those who have died,

we thank you that in Christ is our dying and our rising,

and so we entrust our loved ones to you,

while at the same time seeking your comfort and peace

for those who are bereaved and mourn.

Draw near and may your love

and peace be both reassuring and strengthening.

Lord of heaven

Let your kingdom grow!

Merciful Father accept these prayers for the sake of your Son,

our Saviour Jesus Christ who taught us to pray together

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those+

who sin against us.

Do not bring us

to the time of trial+

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power

and the glory are yours,

now and forever. Amen.

Description: Description: Description: Description: Elevation Worship - The Blessing (Lyrics) ft. Kari Jobe & Cody ...

BLESSING

Christ the Son of God gladden your hearts with the good news of his kingdom; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

HYMN

DISMISSAL

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord

In the name of Christ. Amen

Welcome

St John the Evangelist, Dumfries, is a parish of the Scottish Episcopal Church also serving Methodist parishioners locally.

Donations

You can donate to St John’s by credit or debit card by following these links.

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Notices

Contemporary Service

Contemporary Service

The Contemporary Service is at 6pm, on the second and fourth Sundays of the month, followed by refreshments in the hall.

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Here's some Easter fun for primary-aged children to do this coming Thursday 28th March, 10-30am until 12 O'clock, at St John's Church, Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW